ST. PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Democracy for the People Act, which combines several essential pro-democracy proposals into a single package, was passed in the Senate Elections Committee. In response, Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), Chair of the Elections Committee, released the following statement:
“In light of the spread of misinformation regarding our elections process and proposed legislation from Senate Republicans that would further disenfranchise voters, the Democracy for the People Act couldn’t be more timely. This package combines several essential pro-democracy proposals that include restoring the right to vote to individuals who completed a felony incarceration, automatic voter registration, permanent absentee voting, pre-registration, penalties for voter intimidation, and other reforms that expand voter access and combat disenfranchisement.
In contrast to the Republican proposals that promote and enable the “Big Lie,” voter suppression, and distrust in our elections process, the Democracy for the People Act makes voting more accessible and upholds democratic principles. Minnesota has record numbers of voter turnout and civic participation which makes one thing abundantly clear: Minnesotans want to engage in our democratic process. Our priorities reflect the will of the people by making it easier to vote in our elections – not harder. I look forward to seeing this bill advance further.”
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